Women's Career Paths: Voices from the Shipbuilding Industry

As a strategic and labour-intensive sector that supports global trade, national defense, and regional development, shipbuilding holds vital economic and social significance. This study explores the career development experiences of women working in the Turkish shipbuilding industry through a qualitative research design. Drawing on in-depth semi-structured interviews with women professionals, the research investigates how women navigate career challenges, identify turning points, and shape their professional aspirations in a male-dominated, technically demanding sector. Data were analysed using MAXQDA 24 software through qualitative content analysis within a qualitative descriptive design, highlighting sectoral transitions and motivational drivers. Findings reveal that women’s career paths are influenced by a combination of intrinsic motivation, resilience, and a desire for continuous learning, while also being constrained by structural barriers, including gender-based prejudice, limited institutional support, and sectoral norms. Participants reported relying primarily on self-directed career management, with some also expressing entrepreneurial aspirations and a strong commitment to supporting other women in the field. The study offers a context-specific understanding of women’s career experiences in the Turkish shipbuilding sector and land-based technical maritime careers, providing insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and scholars.